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Description

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a national nonprofit, self-help support organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to families grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause. There is no religious affiliation and no individual membership fees or dues are charged. All bereaved family members are welcome. Founded in England in 1969, TCF was established in the United States in 1972, with 501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporation in 1978, under which provision the organization’s more than 640 local chapters also operate. TCF operates as separate entities in at least 30 countries around the world.
Regular meetings of local chapters provide a caring environment in which bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents can work through their grief with the help of others who have “been there.” Monthly, more than 17,000 attend chapter meetings.
Outreach is provided to more than 182,000 bereaved family members and professionals each month through chapter newsletters, websites, Facebook Pages, special programs including regional conferences, concurrent walks, phone calls, letters, e-mails, and personal visits. Educational information on grief following the death of a child and the work of TCF is provided to the community through publicity, speaking engagements, and the distribution of materials.

Online Resources

Print Resources

TCF's national office publishes a wide variety of brochures and handouts, plus a limited selection of audio and videotapes on the general subject of the death of a child and/or sibling and on specific aspects after the death of a child. Serial publications: The Compassionate Friends quarterly national magazine, "We Need Not Walk Alone," contains educational information from a variety of sources, plus personal reflections and poetry from bereaved family members.

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Thursday, March 21, 2019